MORE SENIORS HELPED BY EXPANDED HOUSING ASSISTANCE

VICTORIA – More British Columbia seniors will be able to remain independent and in their own homes thanks to another expansion of the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program Minister Responsible for Housing Rich Coleman announced today.

The amendments announced by Coleman will remove the 10-year Canadian residency requirement for SAFER eligibility. As of June 1, low income seniors who rent their homes and who have lived in B.C. for one year will be eligible for assistance.

“This government is committed to building the best system of support in Canada for seniors and helping them live as independently as possible,” Coleman said. “This change to SAFER will expand access to a program that provides independence and financial security to low income seniors.”

SAFER provides direct cash assistance to British Columbians aged 60 or older who pay rent for their homes. On average, seniors involved in the SAFER program receive $169 a month.

“For many seniors these improvements to the SAFER program will greatly improve their quality of life,” said Ida Chong, Minister Responsible for Seniors’ Issues. “These are the people who helped to build our province, and who are richly deserving of this support.”

Coleman also announced a second amendment to the program that will help seniors offset rising heating costs. Effective July 1, 2006, the heat allowance available through SAFER will be increased by $10 a month to a maximum of $35. Seniors eligible for the heat allowance will receive the increase at the time of their annual reapplication. This is the first increase to the SAFER heating allowance since July 1989.

Seniors wishing to apply for assistance or who are looking for more information can contact BC Housing at 1-800-257-7756. E-mail inquiries can be forwarded to ApplicantandSAFERenquiries@bchousing.org.

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Media Contact:

Cory Daubenfeld
Corporate Communications
BC Housing
604 439-4758

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